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This weekend marked Willie Nelson's momentous 90th birthday celebration, with a spectacular array of artists taking the stage at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl to pay tribute to the country legend.
Ahead of the special tribute, one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the alt-country scene in recent years, Sierra Ferrell, produced her own homage to Willie via a special cover of ‘Seven Spanish Angels’.
Although Sierra Ferrell did not appear at Willie Nelson's 90th birthday celebration concert in Los Angeles, the up-and-coming artist provided one of the most eye-catching performances at Willie's annual Luck Reunion festival in March. It was during her time at Luck Reunion 2023 that her cover of ‘Seven Spanish Angels’ was recorded.
The iconic track was originally released as a duet with Ray Charles, and appeared on Charles’ 1984 album, Friendship. It has since become one of the many highlights in Willie's formidable repertoire.
Sierra Ferrell's cover has been released as a Spotify Single, and features the West Virginia native's trademark sinuous vocals gliding across a mellow, laid-back instrumental.
The song, written by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, tells the Wild West-inspired tale of an outlaw and his lover, who encounter a group of the sheriff's men that have been sent to bring the cowboy back to Texas.
In a heartwarming moment of defiance, the couple resolve to face the posse head on rather than face the prospect of being split up. Despite this ultimately leading to their untimely demise, the cleverly constructed song concludes with the titular figures welcoming the deceased lovers to Heaven (“When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared / There was thunder from the throne / And seven Spanish Angels / Took another angel home”).
After hearing this stellar rendition of the classic track, fans will be hoping to see Sierra Ferrell performing ‘Seven Spanish Angels’ out on the road this year. The West Virginia native is set to appear at a range of 2023 festivals, including the UK's The Long Road Festival at the end of August.
For more on Sierra Ferrell, see below:
Featured photo by Laura Ord.
